Body of missing 14-year-old girl found in Red Bluff

RED BLUFF -- The body of 14-year-old Marysa Nichols was found Thursday morning in an area between Red Bluff High School and Baker Road.

Reading from a prepared statement Thursday night at a press conference, Red Bluff Police Chief Paul Nanfito said officers identified Nichols based on photographs and specific items found at the crime scene.

The Red Bluff High School student was reported missing to Red Bluff Police when she didn't come home from school Tuesday afternoon.

Around 1 a.m. Wednesday, officers searched the creek area behind the high school because Nichols would have had to cross that area on her way home from school, Nanfito said. The search continued until around 3 a.m. and resumed at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Neither search produced any leads or information regarding Nichols' whereabouts.

Her mother, Diane Whitmire, told the department she had dropped Nichols off at the Red Bluff High School's Education Outreach Academy around 9:50 a.m. Tuesday, according to the initial Red Bluff Police press release.

Nichols told her mother she would be home by 2:30 p.m., but did not return home, at which point Whitmire contacted the police department at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police again searched the creek area Wednesday night.

Around 11 a.m. Thursday, Red Bluff Police and the SWAT team responded to the creek area and two SWAT team members found the teen's body, taping off an area on Baker Road near the Spartan Ranch entrance. A second perimeter was set up within that perimeter.

Forensic crime scene investigators were brought in to assist in processing of the crime scene, Nanfito said. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.

Tip lines have been established at 737-3160 and 737-3225, and anyone with any information related to the case is encouraged to call.

Nanfito said the investigation is in its early stages and was not willing to say whether the crime may be connected to reports of a white van parked near schools in the area over the last six months or an attempted abduction of a girl near Metteer School last week.

A call to Red Bluff High School's front office confirmed that the school remained in session despite its proximity to the crime scene.

A message from Red Bluff Union High School District Superintendent Lisa Escobar to Red Bluff community members was posted on the school's website: "I wanted to let you know a body was found this morning behind Red Bluff High School," Escobar said.

Escobar said at the time of the posting, the district was not sure whether the body was Nichols, but staff was working to support the students.

"I would like you to know we are working closely with law enforcement and providing support for our students," Escobar said. "We are also doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our students. Counseling staff is available if your student feels the need to talk with someone."